In movies, why do people pull the hammer back on their gun before they shoot?

Question

Does it really make that much of a difference?

Answer 1

If it is a western it is because you have to pull it back on older signle action guns. On modern ones yes it does allow for a faster shot, the hammer just has to fall when the trigger is pulled, instead of going back then falling.

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Answer 2

I am going to try to explain so anyone can under stand it. I have 2 pistols one is CZ-52 it shots a 7.62mmX25mm round {bullet} the other one is a P-64 it shots a round that is 9X18. The CZ52 is a single action and the p-64 is double action both are auto loading firearms that means that the firearm loads its own round into the chamber after each time it is fired. To shot all pistols you 1) Put the magazine {clips load magazines and magazines load firearms}. 2) Pull the slide {The thing on top that moves back and forth} back {this also cocks the hammer} and 3) then you let go of it. When the slide is moved forward {by a spring} it removes a round from the magazines and moves it into the firing chamber {The chamber is like a room at the back of the barrel where the round sets until time for it to be fired}. 4) You pull the trigger {the thing that looks like a hook under the firearm} the hammer {by a spring} moves forward and hit’s the firing pin {the firing pin is rod about a 1/8” in diameter with a rounded point on the end}. The round fires the bullet leaves the barrel then the slide moves back {The gas from the burning powder moves the empty bullet case back and that moves the slide back}. The case hits a little hook and gets knocked out side of the firearm. At this point the pistol reloads it self and is ready for you to pull the trigger again {It only fires one time for each pull of the trigger}. All most all pistols work this way, the only time that single or double action come in to play is when you already have a round in the chamber of single action and then you need to pull the hammer back so it can hit the firing pin when the trigger is pulled. The are auto revolvers the 1902 .455cal Webley-Fosbery is one. The P-64 has a 29lb trigger pull when you shoot it double action and about a 3lb trigger pull when you shoot it single action. The CZ-52 is a long range firearm {You can shoot and kill a person with out to about 200 yards} so it does not need to be double action where as the P-64 is a low power short range firearm for use from 0 to 50 yards so in need to be double action so you can get the first round off faster.

Answer 3

Everyone (so far) is correct; single-action pistols have to have the hammer drawn back before firing can be initiated. In single-action revolvers that must be done each time. In double-action revolvers that is optional but not recommended as a safety issue.

What has not been mentioned is that this sort of leaves the shooter with the dilemma of either shooting the gun or rendering it safe again. Some auto loaders have a "decocking device" to 'safely' drop the hammer. They have been known to fail and 'accidentally' cause the pistol to discharge so always aim your weapon in a safe direction. With revolvers point in a safe direction and cautiously uses both hands to decock and unload before storing.

Final note: In old six-shooters (revolvers) the gun may discharge when dropped against the hammer. These should be loaded with only five bullets and the hammer down on an empty chamber.

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Answer 4

well if the pistol is a single action, the gun isn't ****** until the shooter pulls the hammer back. if it's a double action they can shoot with or without pulling the hammer back. the main reason is for doing so in the movies is dramatic/intimidation effect. in real life, the pull on the trigger is lighter with the hammer ******, so the gun doesn't move as much during firing making it more accurate

Answer 5

With a handgun you have two options, single action and double action. Single action handguns must have the hammer pulled back in order to fire. Double action can be fired either way, but pulling the trigger without pulling the hammer back first is harder and will have an effect on accuracy. However, many times in the movies this is done for dramatic effect or maybe as a warning that someone reeaallly means they are going to shoot.

Answer 6

<>When it comes to handguns, there are 2 types: Single action and Double action. Single action guns (and these can be either revolvers or automatic pistols) require that the hammer be ****** before the trigger can be pulled. Single action revolvers must be ****** for EVERY shot; single action pistols need only be ****** for the first shot. Double action revolvers and pistols (automatics) can be fired with or without cocking the hammer. Pulling the trigger will activate the cocking sequence. Most handguns in production today are double action; however, single action revovlers are making a comeback in light of competitions such as the Single Action Shooting Society (SASS).
In movies, it just makes it seem more threatening when they pull back the hammer so the victim is terrified of that 'click!'

Answer 7

Usually for intimidation, when in single action mode, the trigger is very light, 1-3 pounds is all that's needed to release it, plus the trigger must move only a short distance 1/4" or less! So when the hammer is pulled back the situation is very tense, because a flinch or surprise could result in the shooter accidentally shooting.

Answer 8

In real life it does make a difference. If you were to just pull the trigger it takes allot more force to pull it because it is pulling the hammer back as well. But if you have the hammer back at the start it is a hair trigger. I hope this helped

Answer 9

It depends on the scene. Some handguns are single action. Like in the westerns. However like dirty harry to add flair to the image. Though not needed they pull the hammer back. I have seen in some movies were the actor pumped the shotgun or pulled the hammer back twice in the same scene. Its just hollywood.

Answer 10

Well if it's a single action revolver it's not going to shoot if you pull the trigger. The Semi-auto 1911 has to have the hammer fully ****** to shoot.

Even the double action/single action revolvers it is a matter of trigger pull distance being better shooting it as a single action weapon.